Whether she's on a red carpet or taking her sons to school, Gwen Stefani is always dressed to the nines -- and with good reason.

"I mean, I'm very vain," she tells Elle's May issue (on stands April 12). "That would be my middle name. Of course I am, you know what I mean? I love the visual."

Just don't compare Stefani's rocker style to fellow pop stars Lady Gaga, 25, Rihanna, 23, or Katy Perry, 26.

"I don't see myself in those girls," the L.A.M.B. designer says. "I usually put pants on. I see these girls as more going for the sex-symbol thing. I was more, in the band, like a tomboy. Of course, I think every girl is sexy, so there's going to be a little of that. But I see a lot of younger artists going more toward the sexy thing."

Fashion aside, the singer (and mom to sons Kingston, nearly 5, and Zuma, 2) also opens up about her eight-year marriage to Gavin Rossdale, 45.

"The first time we ever kissed was right around Valentine's Day; we were in New Orleans on tour," she recalls. "I always think about that because it's unbelievable that we've been able to stay together. I feel so proud of us. It's one of my biggest achievements."

Though she hasn't released an album since 2006's The Sweet Escape, Stefani, 41, promises her third CD will be her best yet.

Credit: Us Magazine

She might be a rich girl, but Gwen Stefani is also a generous humanitarian.

On Wednesday the No Doubt singer, 41, donated $1 million to Save the Children’s Japan Earthquake-Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund to help with recovery efforts in the devastated nation.

"I've been inspired by Japan for many years and have a true love, appreciation and respect for the Japanese people and their culture," Stefani told Us Magazine in a statement. "The disaster in Japan is beyond heartbreaking, and I want to do anything I can to help. I would never be able to make a gesture like this without the love and support of all the fans over all these years."

In addition to her donation, Stefani, who is mom to Kingston, 4, and Zuma, 2, is also encouraging her fans to contribute. Next week the L.A.M.B. designer will unveil a limited edition Harajuku Lovers T-shirt through nodoubt.com; all proceeds from sales will go to help in relief efforts.

Those who wish to participate immediately may donate now at www.savethechildren.org.

Credit: Us Magazine

Making their love for one another official, Nicole Richie has tied the knot with longtime mate Joel Madden during a sunset ceremony in Bel Air, California on Saturday (December 11).

The former "Simple Life" star was clad in Marchesa as she and her Good Charlotte rocker beau said their "I Do's" during an intimate celebration held at Nicole's dad Lionel Richie's spectacular estate.

As for the setup, sprawling tents were erected in Lionel's backyard to host while the pool was covered up and transformed into a dancefloor for guests to get their groove on.

With celebs such as Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale, Kris Jenner and Samantha Ronson there to support Miss Richie, Mr Madden made the expected decision to have brother Benji act as his best man.

Capping off the extravagant affair, Nicole and Joel also enlisted the services of a well-known trained elephant named Tai to add a special touch to the lively proceedings.

Credit: Celebrity Gossip

Gwen Stefani carries beautifully wrapped gifts as she attends a baby shower with a friend on Sunday, November 7, 2010.

Credit: Zimbio